Tablet Sling

ABSTRACT

A tablet sling pack is disclosed, intended to allow a user easy access to an enclosed tablet computer. The tablet computer is contained within the tablet sling, the tablet sling being easily accessed by allowing the bulk of the bag to be easily rotated around the user, into an accessible position. 
     A hinge with stops is used to support the tablet when the tablet plat form is open, allowing easy access to the screen of the tablet without interference by straps. The combination of a tablet platform and stop-hinge type hinge allows a user to easily access a tablet in standing position without the encumbrance of straps. The tablet platform is internally self supporting for user convenience and ease of access.

FIELD

This invention relates to the field of backpacks and more particularlyto a system for using a tablet computer while standing.

BACKGROUND

Computers have become a part of our everyday lives. The declining use ofpaper has led to an increased need for ready access to a computingdevice as a source of information. A constant internet connection hasbecome commonplace, accompanied by the expectation of rapidcommunication and constant availability.

As a result, it is no longer sufficient to have access to a computeronly at one's desk, or when it is convenient to sit down and open anotebook computer. Such requirements are impractical for students, whoare often on the move around campus, and urban commuters, for whom theremay not be the space to sit down in order to work.

These social changes are coupled with a change in the form factor ofcomputers. While notebooks are still prevalent, tablet computing hasemerged as the new area of growth. In the weekend following the early2012 release of Apple's new tablet computer, the iPad, three millionunits were sold. Competing products are also showing strong sales.

But the use of tablets while standing is awkward. While a tablet can beheld in one hand and operated using the other, tablets commonly weighone and one-half pounds or more. Over time such use becomes tiring.Additionally, operation using two hands is more efficient andcomfortable.

What is needed is a device that allows a user to comfortably use atablet computer while standing.

SUMMARY

The tablet sling allows for safe storage of a tablet computer in amanner that provides easy access, but comfortably supports the weight ofthe tablet and its accessories.

In industry terminology, a hinge that holds a position at a specificangle is a “stop hinge.” The combination of a tablet platform andstop-hinge type hinge allows a user to easily access a tablet whilestanding without the encumbrance of straps holding the tablet inposition. The tablet platform is internally self supporting for userconvenience and ease of access, transferring the weight of the tablet tothe central portion of the bag, in turn held to the user by a shoulderstrap.

Easy access to the tablet computer contained within the tablet sling ismade possible by allowing the bulk of the bag to be easily rotatedaround the user. This is made possible by the use of a single strap thattakes an oblique path across a user's body. This oblique path crossesover one shoulder, across the user's chest, around the portion of thewaist opposite the shoulder, and across the back to return to theshoulder.

Tablet computers occupy a unique space in the area of electronics size.Small electronics, such as mobile phones, are easy to carry in one'spocket. Large electronics, such as laptop computers, are often carriedin a bag, but there are many bags designed for such use. Tablets fallin-between in size. Often tablets, such as the iPad or iPad mini, aretoo large for a pocket, but when placed in a bag its small size causesit to float within the pockets, making it difficult to easily access.This requires the user to search through the bag in order to locate thetablet, wasting time.

Items that are difficult to use are forgotten or avoided. The tabletsling makes access a tablet effortless, making it practical and easy toaccess. The tablet sling opens new markets for tablets, where theprevious limitations of accessibility prevented penetration.

The example embodiment of the tablet sling includes a single shoulderstrap, but it is anticipated that the tablet sling could include two ormore straps. The single shoulder strap of the tablet sling crosses auser's body over either shoulder. The user will likely prefer that thebag is used on the shoulder that is opposite of the user's handedness.For example, a right-handed user will likely prefer that the bag crossover her left shoulder. This allows the user to use her dominant hand,here the right hand, to reach across her torso and access compartmentson the shoulder strap. Or, the user can use her right hand to grip thehandle that allows her to rotate the bag along its oblique path.

The strap itself is adjustable to allow the tablet sling to be used byusers of various shapes and sizes. While there are many ways to make thestrap length adjustable, the example embodiment does so by making thestrap from two separate, overlapping pieces. The main compartment of thetablet sling can be rotated either over a user's shoulder, or under theuser's arm. When the bag contains heavy items it is likely easier torotate the tablet sling under the user's arm to avoid having to pull theweight over the shoulder. Given this arrangement, it is preferable thatthe lower portion of the strap overlap the upper portion of the strap.In this way, when the main compartment is being rotated to the front ofthe bag there is surface against the user's clothing is smooth, with noends to snag on clothing. This again simplifies the process of accessingthe contents of the tablet sling.

A half-rotation brings the body of the bag to the front of the user.This allows the user to access the contents of the bag.

After the main compartment of the tablet sling has been rotated to thefront of the user, the tablet compartment can be unfolded. The tabletcompartment folds down and away from the user. This lowers the tablet,exposing the display.

Ideally, the tablet is to be held at a roughly ninety-degree to onehundred and twenty degree angle with respect to the user's chest.Different users may prefer different angles, but this is likely to be anappropriate starting point because it results in the tablet displaypointing up and toward the user's face, while making the screenaccessible to the hands.

There are numerous ways that the tablet compartment can be supported.One or more straps may extend from a portion of the tablet compartmentto the body of the bag. Adjusting the tension of such straps alters theangle of the bag. Any load placed on the tablet by the user's hands willbe borne by the connection between the tablet compartment and the bodyof the bag, as well as the one or more straps.

Alternatively or additionally, the hinged connection between the body ofthe bag and the tablet compartment acts to limit the angle. The use of ahinged connection eliminates the need for straps to support the tabletplatform. Straps interfere with a user's access to the tablet screen,limiting usability.

Additionally, because straps rely on gravity to hold the tablet inposition ninety-degrees away from the user's chest, alternativepositions cannot be used. In contrast, the tablet sling can be set downon a desk, holding the tablet upright through use of the stopsincorporated into the hinge.

Supporting the tablet platform through the use of a hinge requiresstiffening members to provide support for the tablet compartment. Thesestiffening members may be extensions to the hinge, one or more flatplates, or other means of stiffening portions of the tablet sling.

The hinge itself can be of many different types. A barrel hinge, muchlike that used on a door, can be used. A piano hinge, or continuoushinge, is also acceptable. A living hinge, or portion of a plasticmember that is shaped to allow bending, is also acceptable.

To hold the tablet platform at the desired angle, a stop hinge issuggested. A stop hinge is a hinge with an integral support or stop thatstops the bending motion at a particular angle. For example, a stophinge may allow a range of motion from zero degrees to ninety degrees.

A quadrant hinge is a type of stop hinge, but with the mechanism formaintaining a specific angle being external and visible. A quadranthinge includes the same components as a barrel hinge, but moves the stopmechanism outside the barrel itself. Instead of the stop being withinthe barrel the stop connects the back plate and the bottom platedirectly, without interacting with the barrel. Viewing the barrel as thefulcrum, and the back plate and the bottom plate each as levers, with astop hinge that includes stops intrinsic to the barrel there is verylittle distance between the fulcrum and the force of the stop, but witha load that may be very far away from the fulcrum (the tablet acting asthe load). A quadrant hinge moves the force away from the fulcrum, whichstiffens the hinge by lowering the force required to counteract the loadof the tablet, and shortening the unsupported portion of the bottomplate, or lever arm.

While most items will be stored in the body of the bag, certain smalleritems that need to be accessed quickly or easily are stored on the strapitself. Such items include a cell phone, wallet, car/house keys,headphones, cell phone charger, etc. These items are stored ininterchangeable cases or sleeves. Because not all users require storageof the same items, making these cases interchangeable allows the user toselect the appropriate cases, without needed to wear unused sleeves andcases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill inthe art by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling,with the tablet sling positioned across a user's chest.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling,with the tablet sling positioned across a user's back.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of the strap portion of the illustratedembodiment of the tablet sling.

FIG. 4 illustrates an open view of the illustrated embodiment of thetablet sling, positioned across as user's chest.

FIG. 5 illustrates an open view of the illustrated embodiment of thetablet sling, showing positioning of the hinges.

FIG. 6 illustrates hinges of the illustrated embodiment of the tabletsling.

FIG. 7 shows the tablet sling in an alternative position, positioned ona flat surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferredembodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description,the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

As used herein, the term fastener refers to any known or yet to bedeveloped means for at least temporarily fixing the relative position ofobjects or parts, closing an opening, or for joining together twoobjects or parts at least initially intended to be separate. Examples ofsuitable fasteners include, but are not limited to, hook and loopclosures, catches, hasps, clasps, latches, buckles, clips, clamps,magnetic closures, slide fasteners such as zippers and profiledlinkages, reusable adhesives, and pressure sensitive closures.

Referring to FIG. 1, the tablet sling 1 in a closed position will bedescribed. The tablet sling 1 includes a handle 3 that allows the userto easily swing the tablet sling 1 from the position shown in FIG. 1,across the user's chest, to the position shown in FIG. 2, across theuser's back. The shoulder strap 67 has two portions, a shoulder portion68 (not shown) and a waist portion 70 (the waist portion 70 is shownnear the shoulder in FIG. 2 because the tablet sling 1 has been rotatedacross the user's back). The waist portion 70 has a zippered strap pouch66 for storage of items within the shoulder strap 67. The zippered strappouch 66 includes a pocket (not shown) within the shoulder strap 67. Ahidden pocket zipper 80 is included in the central portion of the bag 2.The hidden pocket zipper 80 leads to a pocket or pouch (hidden) forstoring items.

A zipper for accessory pocket 86 leads to a pocket (not shown) for itemsthat need to be easily accessible, but may be too large for otherpockets.

The tablet platform 100, shown folded down in FIG. 4, includes a numberof features. Cable penetration 82 allows for the entrance and exit ofcables, such as power cables or data cables. The tablet platform 100 isheld closed by a fastener, which is shown as either buckle 102, zippers110, or a combination thereof.

Outside wall 116 is the outer portion of the tablet platform 100. Upperwall 118 joins the tablet platform 100 and the shoulder strap, shoulderportion 68. Lower wall 120 joins the tablet platform 100 and theshoulder strap, waist portion 70.

Near the user's body is a netbook zipper 84 for netbookcompartment/storage compartment (not shown). Locating this pocket nearthe user's body is helpful because a netbook or laptop is likely heavy,and locating such a weight too far away from the user may make thetablet sling 1 cumbersome.

Referring to FIG. 2, a front view of an embodiment of the tablet sling,with the tablet sling positioned across a user's back, is illustrated.Handle 3 is more clearly visible, and the shoulder strap, shoulderportion 68 is shown at the user's shoulder.

Referring to FIG. 3, a view of the strap portion of the tablet sling isillustrated. A smartphone pouch 40 is located in the shoulder strap,shoulder portion 68. The shoulder strap, shoulder portion 68 may includefoam padding 64 to avoid concentrated pressure on the user's shoulder.

The shoulder strap 67 can be seen to pass across the user's chest at anoblique angle, passing from one shoulder to the waist opposite thatshoulder.

The shoulder strap, shoulder portion 68 is connected to the shoulderstrap, waist portion 70 by a quick-release buckle 60, which includesadjustment straps 62. The quick-release buckle 60 is any type offastener, of any material, that allows a user to connect and disconnectthe two portions of the shoulder strap 67. A zipper for accessory pocket106 is shown, allowing the user to hold small items near her waist evenwhen the tablet sling is placed across her back.

Referring to FIG. 4, an open view of the tablet sling 1, positionedacross a user's chest, is illustrated. An exemplary tablet 114 is shownwithin the tablet compartment 108 of the tablet platform 100. A suitabletablet computer includes an iPad, Android based tablet computer, Kindle,Nook, or a tablet computer by any other manufacturer. A clear cover 124shields some or all of the face of the tablet platform 100 to allow theuser to see the displayed graphics and interact with the tablet 114without risk of harm to the tablet from rain, dirty hands, etc. Apenetration for cables 104 is included to provide a path for wires toenter/exit the tablet portion 100 while the tablet portion 100 is foldeddown.

The tablet compartment 108 is surrounded by an elastic surround 112,sized to securely enclose the tablet 114 and maintain its position. Thisprevents the tablet 114 from changing position when the tablet platform100 is moved from a lower position to a raised position, or when thetablet sling 1 is moved from position in front of the user to the user'sback. The tablet surrounding wall 126 connects the clear cover 124 tothe inside lower wall 128, which in turn connects to the tabletsurrounding wall 126 and outside wall 116.

The tablet surrounding wall 126 with inside lower wall 128 may be ofmany materials, including elastic but padded materials such as neoprene.

When the tablet platform 100 is in a raised position, the clear cover124 rests against the inside upper wall 122.

The tablet platform is connected to the central portion 2 of the tabletsling 1 by one or more hinges 160.

Referring to FIG. 5, an open view of the tablet sling, showingpositioning of the hinges, is illustrated. The hinges 160 connect thetablet platform 100 to the central portion of the bag 2. Using hinges160 instead of straps allows the user to have complete, unencumberedaccess to the tablet. The use of straps to connect the central portion 2of the tablet sling 1 to the tablet platform 100 would interfere withthe user's hands, which are likely to come to the side of the tabletplatform. Furthermore, straps can only support the tablet platform 100when gravity acted to pull the tablet platform 100 downward.

The hinges 160 support the tablet platform 100 and are braced by theinside upper wall 122, which in turn transmits the force to the userthrough the shoulder strap 67 by way of the upper wall 118 and lowerwall 120.

Referring to FIG. 6, hinge embodiments of the tablet sling areillustrated. Two exemplary embodiments of the hinge 160 are shown, 160Awithout a back plate extension and 160B with a back plate extension.

Parts of an exemplary hinge 160A include back plate 162A, bottom plate166A, and barrel 168A. When open, the hinge 160A creates an anglebetween the back plate 162A and bottom plate 160A, the angle createdbeing angle 170A, shown as approximately ninety degrees. When closed,hinge 160A creates a lesser angle, shown as approximately zero degrees.

Parts of an exemplary hinge 160B include back plate 162B, bottom plate166B, and barrel 168B. When open, the hinge 160B creates an anglebetween the back plate 162B and bottom plate 160B, the angle being angle170B, shown as approximately one-hundred and eighty degrees. Whenclosed, hinge 160B creates a lesser angle, shown as approximately ninetydegrees. Hinge 160B further includes back plate extension 164B. Backplate 164B extension increases the distance or gap between the backplate 162B and the bottom plate 166B when the hinge 160B is in a closedposition. This is useful because it creates space for the materialthickness of the tablet sling 1 and the thickness of the tablet 114 whenthe hinge 160B is in the closed position.

It can be see that the hinge 160 has an open position and a closedposition. When in the open position the back plate 162 and the bottomplate 166 are substantially perpendicular. In this position the tabletplatform 100 is rotated away from the central portion 2 of the tabletsling 1, facilitating access to the tablet platform 100 by a user. Theuser wears the table sling 1 across her chest, and when in the closedposition the back plate 162 and bottom plate 166 are substantiallyparallel with the tablet platform 100 resting against the centralportion 2 of the tablet sling 1.

The barrel 168 acts both to allow motion between the back plate 162 andbottom plate 166, and to hold their relative positions at specificangles 170. For example, it is likely helpful to hold the tabletplatform 100 in a closed position when not in use. While the user mayfurther support the tablet platform 100 in a closed position using afastener, such as the zipper from main pocket 110, the hinge 160 can actto hold the tablet platform 100 in an open position while the zipper 110is closed.

Furthermore, the barrel 168 acts to hold the tablet platform 100 in anopen position at an angle 170 that is conducive to operation by theuser. As shown in FIG. 4, an angle of approximately ninety toone-hundred and twenty degrees is likely most comfortable for access tothe tablet by the user. In industry terminology, a hinge that holds aposition at a specific angle is a “stop hinge.” The combination of atablet platform 100 and stop-hinge type hinge 160 allows a user toeasily access a tablet 114 in standing position without the encumbranceof straps.

While the hinge 160 is illustrated using sharp corners and angles, theshape of the hinge 160 is not important. Any shape is acceptable as longas the tablet platform 100 is supported by the hinge 160.

The hinge 160 can be of many types. A barrel/butt type hinge is shown,but a piano (or continuous) hinge is acceptable, as is a living hinge (athin, flexible hinge made from plastic that joins two rigid partstogether), etc.

Referring to FIG. 7, tablet sling 1 in an alternative position,positioned on a flat surface is shown. The tablet sling 1 can also beused in an alternative position because the hinges 160 allow the tabletplatform 100 to be self supporting. The tablet sling 1 is shown on aflat surface, with the portion of the tablet sling 1 that is normallyagainst the user's torso, instead placed on the flat surface. The hinge160 continues to support the tablet platform 100, holding the platformat an angle between ninety and one-hundred and twenty degrees, allowingthe user to comfortably view the tablet 114.

The present disclosure has been illustrated as particular embodimentsthat are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Thoseskilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure is capableof many modifications and variations while remaining within the scope ofthe disclosure. For example, directional references such as “top,”“base,” “bottom”, “end,” “side,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “middle,”“lower,” “front,” and “rear” do not limit the respective walls of thetablet sling to such orientation, but merely serve to distinguish thesewalls from one another.

References to the hinged connection should not be construed asnecessarily referring to a junction including a single hinge only. It isenvisioned that a hinged connection be formed from one or morepotentially disparate means for hingedly connecting materials.

Any of the embodiments may be constructed of any suitable material,including satin, microfiber, leather, plastic, suede, woven fabric, andthe like.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the characteristicsof the bags described herein are not intended to be limiting, but rathersimply provide context for the environment of the disclosure. Inaddition, any suitable materials and closure devices may be used inaddition to or instead of zippers and snaps, including magnets,non-permanent adhesives, or hook and loop fasteners.

It is believed that the system and method as described and many of itsattendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. Itis also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may bemade in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereofwithout departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or withoutsacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein beforedescribed being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. Itis the intention of the following claims to encompass and include suchchanges.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above suchthat they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially thesame way for achieving substantially the same result.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wearable tablet sling for use with a tabletcomputer comprising: a. an internal support structure for support of atablet computer while a user is standing, the internal support structurecontained within the wearable tablet sling and covered by one or morelayers of external material, the one or more layers of external materialbeing a fabric or similar material; and b. wherein the internal supportstructure transfers the weight of the tablet computer to the user. 2.The wearable tablet sling of claim 1, wherein the internal supportstructure includes a hinge.
 3. The wearable tablet sling of claim 2,wherein the wearable tablet sling includes a central portion and atablet platform, the hinge being internal to the wearable tablet slingand including a back plate hingedly joined to a bottom plate, the backplate within the central portion and the bottom plate within the tabletplatform, the central portion to be positioned substantially against auser's chest and abdomen.
 4. The wearable tablet sling of claim 3,wherein the back plate and the bottom plate form an angle relative toeach other, the hinge further including hinge stops, the hinge stopsallowing the hinge to maintain position at one or more angles withoutthe requirement of additional supports, such as straps.
 5. The wearabletablet sling of claim 4, wherein the hinge stops maintain angles of atleast 0 degrees and 90 degrees.
 6. The wearable tablet sling of claim 1,wherein the wearable tablet sling is substantially comprised of fabricor other flexible material.
 7. The wearable tablet sling of claim 4,further comprising: a. a shoulder strap, the shoulder strap have a firstend and a second end, the first end and the second end connecting to thecentral portion of the tablet sling; b. a handle, the handle located onthe shoulder strap, the handle allowing the user to rotate the tabletsling on an oblique path across the user's body by passing across oneshoulder of the user and around the waist of the user; c. aquick-release buckle, the quick-release buckle located within theshoulder strap, allowing the shoulder strap to be separated tofacilitate removal of the tablet sling by the user.
 8. The wearabletablet sling of claim 4, further comprising: a. a shoulder strap, theshoulder strap adapted to be worn across the user's chest and abdomen atan oblique angle; b. a quick-release buckle, the quick-release bucklewithin the shoulder strap, allowing the shoulder strap to bedisconnected; c. an accessory pocket within the central portion of thetablet sling, the accessory pocked adapted to hold one or more items andheld closed by one or more fasteners.
 9. A wearable tablet sling for usewith a tablet computer, comprising: a. a central portion, the centralportion having one or more pouches for the storage of items; b. ashoulder strap, the shoulder strap having both a shoulder portion and awaist portion, the shoulder portion connected to the waist portion by afastener and to the central portion by any means, and the waist portionconnected to the central portion by any means; and c. a tablet platform,the tablet platform joined to the central portion by a flexible member.10. The wearable tablet sling of claim 6, wherein the flexible member isa hinge.
 11. The wearable tablet sling of claim 7, wherein the hingeincludes stops to hold the tablet platform at preset angles with respectto the central portion.
 12. The wearable tablet sling of claim 7,wherein the tablet platform includes: a. a clear cover; b. a closuremechanism; and c. a cable penetration.
 13. The wearable tablet sling ofclaim 8, further comprising a handle for a user to grasp while rotatingthe wearable table sling from a position across a user's back to aposition in front of a user's chest.
 14. The wearable tablet sling ofclaim 7, wherein the tablet platform further includes one or morefasteners to removably attach the tablet platform to the centralportion.
 15. The wearable tablet sling of claim 7, wherein the hingefurther comprises: a. a back plate, the back plate being a stiff membersubstantially within the central portion of the tablet sling; b. abottom plate, the bottom plate being a stiff member substantially withinthe tablet platform; and c. a barrel, the barrel hingedly joining theback plate and the bottom plate; d. wherein the hinge has an openposition and a closed position, when in the open position the back plateand the bottom plate are substantially perpendicular with the tabletplatform rotated away from the central portion of the tablet sling,facilitating access to the tablet platform by a user, the user wearingthe table sling across his chest, and when in the closed position theback plate and bottom plate are substantially parallel with the tabletplatform resting against the central portion of the tablet sling. 16.The wearable tablet sling of claim 12, further comprising a back plateextension, the back plate extension positioned between the barrel andthe bottom plate, wherein: a. the back plate extension is substantiallyparallel to the back plate when the hinge is in the open position, andsubstantially perpendicular to the back plate when the hinge is in theclosed position; and b. when the hinge is in the closed position, theback plate is substantially parallel to the bottom plate but separatedby a distance, the distance creating a space for a tablet computer to becontained.
 17. The wearable tablet sling of claim 16, further comprisinga smartphone pouch removably affixed to the shoulder strap, thesmartphone pouch being substantially rectangular with an internal space,the internal space adapted to hold a substantially rectangularsmartphone.
 18. A wearable tablet sling for use with a tablet computer,comprising: a. a central portion, the central portion having one or morepouches for the storage of items; b. a shoulder strap, the shoulderstrap having both a shoulder portion and a waist portion, the shoulderportion connected to the waist portion by a fastener and to the centralportion by any means, and the waist portion connected to the centralportion by any means; and c. a tablet platform, the tablet platformattached to the central portion by a hinge, the tablet platformincluding a clear cover, a closure mechanism, and a cable penetration;d. the hinge including: i. a back plate, the back plate being a stiffmember substantially within the central portion of the tablet sling; ii.a bottom plate, the bottom plate being a stiff member substantiallywithin the tablet platform; and iii. a barrel, the barrel hingedlyjoining the back plate and the bottom plate; iv. wherein the hinge hasan open position and a closed position, when in the open position theback plate and the bottom plate are substantially perpendicular with thetablet platform rotated away from the central portion of the tabletsling, facilitating access to the tablet platform by a user, the userwearing the table sling across his chest, and when in the closedposition the back plate and bottom plate are substantially parallel withthe tablet platform resting against the central portion of the tabletsling. e. a handle, the handle located on the shoulder strap, allowingthe user to rotate the tablet sling on an oblique path across the user'sbody by passing across one shoulder of the user and around the waist ofthe user.